I don't often say this but if anyone took Excelebration on today then you've had a nightmare. An absolute nightmare. Can't possibly see any reason not to back him given the form he's shown for 2 seasons. Anyhow - Onedin Line will win this bumper at Downpatrick and at 5/1 is a fantastic each way bet if you're like me and want to see a return if the worst happens and you have misread things a tad. The Phoenix was a joke. Never a Group 1.
Plumped for Pedro after the Bolger horse withdrew so I'm happy. However Chris Colombo is going to be a 3 year old to follow. You might be thankful he hasn't hosed up here because if he strengthens up over the winter, you may get a good Guineas price if you fancy him. Poor race though, wasn't it?
Does anybody else use the Paddy Power text commentary? I could write reams on the crapness of this thing but, just as an example, it still hasn't called the finish of the Phoenix stakes - still showing "Pedro The Great leads by 2 lengths with Leitir Mor making headway". But much worse than that is, when they get to the business end of the race, they keep telling you about those horses not involved in the finish. For example here is how they would call the finish of the 2012 Gold Cup: Synchronised leads The Giant Bolster is finishing fast Long Run is with the leaders Burton Port is travelling well Time For Rupert looks to be cantering Knockara Beau making headway Midnight Chase in mid-division etc etc etc and you're sta there thinking "has Synchronised held on? Is The Giant Bolster closing? Is Long Run still in it?" "Who gives a **** about Midnight Chase he has no chance" It's the worst commentary I've ever read ..............
Nice aftertime Toppy Odddy it is shocking - just use timeform or will hill radio now and listen to commentary rather than read that bollocs
It's not a Group 1 TopClass. It's the biggest problem with Irish racing. Dreadful strength in depth. How can you treat any Irish group 1's with anything but heavy scepticism when that lot turn up. I can't recall a top quality line up (and by that I mean 2 or 3 high calibre horses) in any race in Ireland in the last 2 seasons. Well done for picking Pedro.
I think Cristoforo is a real top notcher. Have backed 25/1 Bet365 guineas as a bit of fun - call me mental all you like
Starspangled out for a gallop I feel. Much like SNA when he returned as a 4 Y O- never asked for a hard time, looked underconditioned, and will be better next time. Price was possibly the giveaway.
Looked fat and hated the ground - he will do better but whether or not he remains a grp 1 animal is different all together.
